"Tsk. You should be grateful I owe you a favor. Otherwise, I would've left yesterday and gone back to Saido," I grumbled as I flopped onto the couch. I took a sip of water and sighed deeply. *He wants to stay here for a whole week!* Of course, he had nothing urgent waiting for him in Saido—no responsibilities, no worries—just his usual womanizing.
"Why don't you relax here too? You rarely travel or enjoy yourself. Might as well make the most of it," he said with that infuriating smirk. I rolled my eyes.
"I don't have time for that."
"Now you do. I'm giving you time," he countered.
"Whatever. One week only. If you overstay, you're on your own," I snapped.
"Of course." His grin widened as he stood. "I'll be in my room. You know what I mean." He winked before sauntering upstairs. I could only glare at his retreating back.
"I'll burn you alive, Maxson," I muttered under my breath before storming out.
---
Since that *particular* man had *particular* tastes, I had to personally scout for a woman who'd meet his standards. *Why did I ever owe him a favor?*
"Well, what choice do I have?" I sighed and stepped out of the hotel. People kept staring as I walked. I frowned and glanced at my outfit—was there something wrong? *Whatever.* I ignored them and headed straight for *that* kind of establishment. Don't ask how I knew where to find one.
Inside, the place looked deceptively normal—nothing hinted at its true nature. A woman at the desk greeted me warmly.
"Good morning, madam. How may I help you?" I glanced around, ensuring no one could overhear. *At least I still have some shame—unlike Maxson.*
Leaning in, I whispered, "I'd like to see your selection." She smirked.
"I didn't realize *you* preferred women too, madam." My face burned.
"N-no! Not for me! For... a friend." I slapped a stack of coins on the table. "Is this enough?"
Her eyes widened at the amount. "M-more than enough, madam!" She tried to return the excess, but I stopped her. "He has... *specific* tastes. I'm willing to pay for the *best*."
She nodded and led me deeper inside. The back room was dimly lit by colored energy stones, casting an eerie glow on the small stage where near-naked women danced. *I swear, I'm going to murder Maxson.* We entered another room where women were dressing and preening before mirrors. The attendant explained my request, and they all perked up with interest.
"Pretty... but not enough," I murmured as I inspected them one by one.
Then I spotted *her*—a woman radiating confidence, beautiful in both face and figure. She flashed me a knowing smile. "I want that one."
The deal was done. I gave her Maxson's hotel and room details, then left, my face still flaming with embarrassment.
---
Not ready to face Maxson's smugness, I wandered the streets—until I bumped into someone. "Sorr—Captain Chen?!"
He stared down at me, cold as ever. "Watch where you're going."
"I *said* sorry," I huffed, watching him walk away. *What's his problem?* "Did he fight with his girlfriend?" I mused. Curiosity got the better of me, and I followed him. I trailed him discreetly, hiding behind trees and walls as he made his rounds, checking on squad patrols. Eventually, he entered a gated estate—the Chen Clan residence. "So this is where he lives..."
"What are you doing here?" I nearly jumped out of my skin. Lieutenant Eisha stood behind me, clutching a large scroll, her expression puzzled. *How embarrassing if I admit I was stalking Captain Chen!*
"N-nothing! Just exploring," I lied.
She blinked, then smiled.
"Oh! Well, this is the Chen Clan's estate."
"A-ah... It's quite grand." *What else was I supposed to say?*
"Listen," she whispered, pulling me close. "This Friday, we'll find out who Captain Chen's next wife will be."
I frowned. "Next?"
"Yes. His second. The wedding isn't until Friday—it's sudden, and none of us know the bride. But I heard she's from the Hong Clan again."
We ended up sitting under a tree as she spilled everything: his first wife had died, and to maintain political ties, the clans were forcing another marriage on him.
"How tragic... No wonder he's so serious," I murmured.
Eisha studied me, then grinned mysteriously. "What do you think of Captain Zeid?"
I hesitated. "He's... weird. But strong. Whoever marries him next, I just hope she'll cherish him."
Eisha laughed. "His first wife would've said the same." She stood, scroll in hand. "I've got to deliver this to the Chen Clan leader. Go explore! Bye~" As she ran off, I clutched my chest. *Why does this ache...?*
---
I sat by the river, trying to meditate away the heaviness in my heart. Then, out of nowhere—a vision flashed in my mind. *Captain Chen, turning away from a faceless woman holding a lunchbox.* "Don't talk to me. Don't come near me."
The woman smiled sadly as he walked off. "I'll try again next time..." My heart pounded violently. *Whose memory was that?* *Who was that woman?*